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Dredigan

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The outlaw, Part 2.
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Chapter one: Raylov
The rain was letting up a bit now, the sun could be seen shining past some of the bright clouds and the air wasn't so humid as it had been. Raylov was sitting in the guard house, in the captain's office going over the letter that had arrived the night before. Ser Irve had sent it with an outrider to bring news of his victory, and the death of Ser Merlon, it also contained a summons. Raylov, Borthi, and Irve were to meet just north of the Lorik to discuss who would take over leadership of the rebellion.
Raylov truly couldn't care less who would take over leading, as long as he got to keep fighting. The fight had been tipping in their favor as well, they had conquered most of the forest, which dominated the heart of the realm, and to top it off King Luthor had died and his son Aenis had taken his place. Aenis had never fought a battle in his life and had never lead anyone anywhere, the war would take care of itself with another battle or two. Raylov didn't blame the men outside his door for singing and feeling so happy, if he wasn't leading them he may have joined them.
Just then Robyk opened his door and stepped in. "Sir, you called?" Rob asked. "I did, take a seat." Raylov said, and Rob obeyed. Raylov tossed the letter down in front of them. Robyk hesitated a moment and took it. "Merlon? Truly?" He asked setting the letter down. Raylov nodded sliding the letter back across the table, "I'm taking a dozen men with me." Raylov said and Robyk slowly nodded, his face showed that he was deep in thought. "Robyk I'm leaving you in charge of the town, Get Donyl to round up the men I need, we ride at first light as always." Raylov said.

27-Jun-2012 20:23:27 - Last edited on 28-Jun-2012 03:00:58 by Dredigan

Dredigan

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When Robyk stood, he made a fist and it found his heart, then he took his leave. Raylov sat at his desk, bitterly thinking of leaving. His mind kept trailing back to the knight they released, Yorlede, he began hating the idea when he'd left three nights ago. Yorlede was a commander, even though the rebels were able to overthrow him he would have more men under his belt next time, it all made depressed him to no end. Despite his lack of taste for ale he poored himself a cup and downed it instantly.
He wasted no time going to bed, he removed his clothes and blew out his candle and he fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. His sleep was dreamless and uncomfortable. In the morning he awoke groggy and miserable with Ser Donyl standing over him, already wearing his leather hauberk and chaps, His bow hung over his back with the string across his chest. "Time to go M'lord." Donyl said to him.
Raylov sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. "Are the men ready?" Raylov asked. "They are sir, and all mounted." Donyl responded pleasantly. "Alright, go mount up I need to dress myself." Raylov said, and Donyl obeyed. He got up and dressed in plain Iron chainmail over boiled leather, and cloth leggings. He also wore his riding gloves and his mace hanging over his back. He poored himself a cup of water from his flagon and drank it, then on his way out chewed on a bit of salt beef.
He found his brown mare outside, Donyl was holding onto the rein's for him. His horse was human sized and he felt a little embarrased about asking Donyl for help, but Donyl hopped down and helped him vault up uncomplaining. When Donyl remounted as well Raylov explained to the men, "Were headed north east, just beyond the boundary of the Lorik we're meetin' Irve and Borthi. Let's not waste time." Raylov said putting his heels into his horse they all trotted off into the wood.

28-Jun-2012 04:00:14 - Last edited on 28-Jun-2012 04:14:59 by Dredigan

Dredigan

Posts: 1,549 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

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Chapter two: Robyk
Raylov had left the night before, leaving Rob to command the garrison of thirty or so men, and the civillian population of the town. He had spent most of his time since Raylov left organizing the men, He had to put men in defensible positions in case of an imperial attack, he had to use his thirty men the best they could be used, and if they lost the town they would take as many with them as they could. One of his men jested that Rob's hair started turning gray the moment Raylov rode off, and Rob shot him an Icy look that made him shut his mouth.
The rain had finally stopped, Though Rob was getting a bit worried that Valtir had not sent word of their attack on Iverst. Aveline had been trying to tell him Valtir would be fine, that he knew how to use a blade, he was good with the men, but Valtir was a coward, he had only even gotten his knighthood because Robyk let him take the credit for some great deed during their last battle with the Survet's. Either way, If Valtir had not won his battle and the worste HAD befallen him, he would have to wait until they had more soldiers to spare to send another attack for Iverst.
Rob was writing out the new watch list, to compensate for the men Raylov and Valtir had taken, when he heard the bell. He had at first thought that Valtir was coming back into town, but then the second bell rang and his heart dropped. He hopped out of his chair and bolted to the guard house armory, not saying a word to the other men-at-arms. When he got there he slid on a chain mail shirt over his plain lether clothing, and strapped a sword belt on around his waste. He then picked up an arrow quiver and slung it over his shoulder, and put his bow over the other.
He ran back through the guard house and out to the street, he saw his men already lining roof tops with bows in hand, and some other swordsmen forming a line of defense at the town entrance.

28-Jun-2012 04:52:39

Dredigan

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He found himself running to his father's home. He ran through several puddles and felt water leaking into his shoes but paid no mind to it and kept running. When he had finally reached Bert's front door he could already see the invading army marching into his line of defense. He pushed open the door and found Aveline and Bert hiding in the study, Aveline holding a dagger. "Come now. Father you as well." Robyk said standing in the doorway, Ave and Bert followed without argument.
He led them out the back door, looking around himself constantly. The fighting had apparantly picked up on the main street, there were yells all about, or maybe screams. Despite the noise he led Bert and Aveline to the stables safely and helped his wife mount up, when he tried to make Bert mount he refused. "Im too old to make it all the way up there. Don't fear for me my son, I've lived here since I was in my own mother's belly." He smiled at Aveline, hiding the fear he must have felt. "Rob. Your men will need you out there, I'll be fine, I'll board up the doors and all but you Aveline must go, Rob is right." Bert said.
Aveline turned her horse as Rob opened the stable doors. "Where should I go?" she asled. Rob thought and said, "Ride for the north." then he smacked her horse and he galloped off. "Son, you must go as well." Bert said. Rob turned at looked at the old man. "I know." Rob said, and with that he ran off to the main street, not knowing if he would see his father again.
He found that the line of defense had been broken, and the battle turned into a bloody butcher's field, the yelling and clanking was so loud it appeared to be happening right next to him though it was all further down the street. Some of the enemies were mounted, one of them wore a red crested helm and was swiping a war axe off the side of his horse at any man who came too close, other invaders were simply overpowering the rebels.

28-Jun-2012 05:06:14

Dredigan

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Rob saw no victory in sight, but he held true to his plan. Take as many with me as I can, he thought running down the street, steel in hand. The first soldier he encountered was simple enough, the man charged at him with a longsword, he had lost his shield apparantly, and missed his first swing. Rob took the chance when he saw it and drove his sword through the gap between the man's cuirass and helm. The man made a quick gasping noise and fell. Rob's longsword was all red from the tip, to halfway down the blade.
The second was worse. He was quite skilled with his longsword, though it was in worse condition than Rob's. This time Rob made the first swing, the man effectively blocked it with his shield to which the blade did no cconsiderable damage, then the man countered with a sideswing at Rob's waist, but he dodged it with inches to spare. It took several more swings but Rob finaly tired the man out and when the man took a moment of respite, Rob pommeled him on his helmetless head and watched the man fall, he quickly jabbed the back of the man's throat and moved on.
He was midway to helping a rebel being overpowered by a knight when he was tripped. When he rolled over he saw Yorlede standing over him with blood splashed on his silver armor, this time his helm had no red crest atop it. Rob hopped to his feet and held his longsword in front of him, waiting for Yorlede to charge. The charge did come eventually but instead of swinging his sword Yorlede held it out in front of him as if to stab Rob. When Rob moved to the side, Yorlede swung his shield up sideways and whacked Rob harshly back into the mud.
Yorlede turned and looked at him, then ran for him, shouting as he swung his sword down at him full force. Rob rolled ever so slightly out of its path and when the sword hit the mud, Rob rolled back over and reached up, grabbing onto the hilt where yorlede's hand was. He kicked Yorlede in the chest and made him let go of his blade, then lifted himself back up.

28-Jun-2012 05:28:04 - Last edited on 28-Jun-2012 05:30:58 by Dredigan

Dredigan

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Rob stood up, but before he regained his balance Yorlede was on him again, before he knew it he brought up his sword for a feeble swing but Yorlede swated it away with his shield and Rob dropped it, then Yorlede brought the hardwood shield up and smacked Rob square in the face, throwing him back into the mud. He saw Yorlede step over him and pick up his sword. He leaned down over Rob and grabbed him by the shirt, lifting him up closer to his face. "How much do you think you're worth friend?" Yorlede said, then he dropped Rob back to the mud and delivered a mailed fist to the side of his head, forcing him to go unconciouse.
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Chapter three: Valtir
Valtir had finally made it to a village, the rebels there supplied him with some food, some clothing, and a horse, figuring he had to get back to 'The Lorik' as soon as he could. Valtir did take the chance to sleep in a bed for the night, then took off the next day catching more sleep in the saddle. He was relieved to find that his horse kept to the game trails in the forest, it would be terrible if he got lost now. The rain has let up, shouldn't take more than four days to reach the town, Valtir thought.
He didn't stop to sleep very often, unless the trails were less apparant than he would have liked, most often he would just catch quick naps and wake up not knowing the hour. He would ride anyway, knowing his mission was too important to put on hold. He trudged endlessly, not seeing a single soul on the road's, sometimes despite his misfortune he would sing song's, just to hear something other than his horses whinny, and the song's he sand did help cheer him up. Song's like "Love of Loah" and "Sweet Sarah" would remind him of Aveline and push him on toward his destination all the harder.

28-Jun-2012 05:37:33 - Last edited on 28-Jun-2012 05:57:28 by Dredigan

Dredigan

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His days seemed endless and by the end of the second day he was too anxiouse to sleep at all, so he rode through the night awake, chewing on his salted beef, but by the time the sun fully rose on the third day he was out of energy and let himself nap. He woke up to find the sun was halfway up the sky now. Good, I'll be close, He thought.
He was able to hear the town's rabble before he actually saw the town itself. And when he passed through the trees he saw it, Blood and limbs and dead people all crowding the streets. Some of Roham's men were walking down the street checking the bodies, giving quick stabs to the ones who may have moved or grunted. Valtir couldn't believe his eye's. He even saw Yorlede walking down the street with his helm under his arm. What happened? Where was Aveline? Had Robyk made it out alive? It was all too much for Valtir to comprehend, his heart was racing even though he was calm, and his mind was moving from thought to the other at a mile a minute.
He didn't want to risk entering the town to search, he instead turned his horse around and rode, making for the north where he knew Merlon had taken over. I'll bring them the news if nobody else made it out of there. I have to tell tell them, warn them, he kept thinking. But no matter what he did all he felt inside of him was fear, fear that this rebellion would end badly, fear that Aveline had died, and fear that he may soon follow. He was also the only one that knew the Draugr's weakness, and the only one he knew of with a blade such as Ember; anyone else with such a blade surely didn't know and more cirtainly wasn't willing to test it out if they did.

28-Jun-2012 06:21:58

Dredigan

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He rode as fast as his horse could handle where the trail was easy, where it grew rocky or roots and branches overgrew the path he slowed to a trot to avoid breaking his horses leg and the like. This time he was lucky enough to pass a traveler on the road who gave him some more food for his journey in exchange for a few gold pieces, and he found that the mud was hardening and wouldn't be as treacherous to ride through. He started thinking about what he saw in 'The Lorik', what could have happened? Did Yorlede's brothers mount an assault to rescue him? Had they ransomed him off and he come back for them? Where did his friends go? What would Robyk have him do? He thought that going to find Merlon would be what he wanted, so that's what he'd set out to do but he was nagged by doubt.
Several day's into his ride he was trekking through a wide canopy made by great oak trees, there was no way he and he horse could stray from the path; the trees were too close together, but the serenity of the place was a nice change of pace. The path itself was faded where he could see but was mostly concealed by dead leaves and twigs. He had been trotting down the road for a good mile before he came across a wagon facing sideways and a man standing in front of it.
The man was wearing a black coat over a dirty brown shirt, a pair of dirty green legging's, and some shin high leather boots. He walked forward casually putting his hand out in front of him, Valtir slowed down for him; and stopped when they came together.
"Hello traveler, I'm afraid I need to charge a small fee to let you pass. Highway upkeep, you understand." The man said and a half smile crossed his face.
"You're part of a highway repair party? Or something of the like?" Valtir asked.
"Indeed sir. The fee is only thirty gold pieces, nothing too bad." The highwayman said to him.

29-Jun-2012 03:59:38

Dredigan

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Several more men were slowly emerging from the trees, dressed in rough spun and rags. "You need not fool me." Valtir said. "I'll not pay your toll, attack me if you wish but I'm honor bound to warn you that you face a knight of the Lorik." Valtir said trying to sound noble, deep down he felt his heart thumping but he wasn't really afraid to face a few brigands if need be.
The man looked him over. "A knight. Do you jest?" the man asked seeing Valtir's meager outfit. His hand moved behind his back and revealed a shoddy Iron dagger he'd concealed. Valtir reached into his saddle back and unfastened Ember from his sword belt, then slid the bare steel out. The man's mouth dropped at the sight of the magnificent blade; then he shook it off and said: "You may have a fancy sword, but there are nine of us here to one of you." the highwayman said.
"Well then come out and fight, I'll face your men." Valtir said, turning on his horse. He was acting the brave knight but deep down he hoped to the god's more than anything else that a confrontation would be avoided.
He held Ember up in the air and looked at the shape's in the trees receding back to their hiding places. He turned back to look at the highwayman who was clearly embarrassed by this event. Valtir reached back into his saddlebag and pulled out a handful of coins, tossing them at the man. "I know you need the money, but find work with honest men. Ride with me to the north." The man looked at the coins on the ground, then back to Valtir. "What's in the north?" he asked.
"The Rebellion." Valtir said bluntly, hoping the man would join him rather than fight him.
The man whistled loudly and the figures returned, entering the canopy, Valtir noted that quite a few of them were women and children, only one in three of them had any type of weapon at all, a pitchfork or a rusty half broken short sword. "Would you truly accept us?" the man asked almost shocked. Valtir nodded once, "We need all the help we can get."

29-Jun-2012 04:21:18 - Last edited on 29-Jun-2012 04:24:46 by Dredigan

Dredigan

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The people surrounded his horse, and the man looked at them, Valtir's eyes were trained directly on the man in front of him. "Aye, We'll join you." He finally said, and Valtir smiled putting Ember back in his saddlebag.
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Chapter four: Irve
The town had been fully cleared of corpses and rubble, though some of the structures were still damaged, they didn't have the supplies to FULLY repair the town. The sky was torn at the east, a red snake crawling across the horizon signifying dawn. Irve loved watching the sunrise, he always felt some strange solace in knowing it would always be there, unlike anything else in this life. The sun had just peeked it's head over the horizon when Borthi emerged on his horse, accompanied by twelve or so men. The town lacked for bell's so they blew a horn, he heard the single blast signifying returning allies.
Irve watched him riding toward the town's palisade gate for a good few minutes before he heard Borthi laughing loud with excitement. It took another minute before he was close enough to yell, "Irve! Did you have to bring me all the way out here to declare yourself leader?"
"I havn't done it quite yet friend! We have to have the meeting even if it's pointless!" Irve yelled back, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of the dwarf, not something most men might think.
Borthi wasn't fifty yard's away when the gate they'd constructed opened. After a moment Borthi rode through, one of his men bearing a straight black standard. Irve climbed down off the palisade to greet him. When he got down Borthi had already dismounted and his men were doing the same. "The Lorik will soon be ours, and with it, the realm." Borthi said, he and Irve met, locking their hand's around eachother's wrists.
"Indeed friend." Irve said. Borthi looked around and observed the town.
"This is what Merlon died for?" he asked. Irve nodded. "Best hold it then." Borthi finished.

29-Jun-2012 04:49:08

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The outlaw